A Novel Current-Injection Based Design for HVDC Circuit Breakers

Conference: PCIM Europe 2015 - International Exhibition and Conference for Power Electronics, Intelligent Motion, Renewable Energy and Energy Management
05/19/2015 - 05/20/2015 at Nürnberg, Deutschland

Proceedings: PCIM Europe 2015

Pages: 7Language: englishTyp: PDF

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Authors:
Sander, Rene; Suriyah, Michael; Leibfried, Thomas (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany)

Abstract:
This article deals with a new design for HVDC Circuit Breakers (HVDC CB) based on high current injection. HVDC CBs have to withstand and break DC currents under additional stress caused by line inductances. Its current breaking capability is a key feature for holistic grid construction. Semiconductors are a limiting factor in this field. Besides thermal problems, physical switching mechanisms set limitations according to the device's Safe Operating Area (SOA). The new design has an improved current switching capability and an adequate voltage protection suitable for high performance demands of a HVDC grid environment. Simulations in MATLAB Simulink verify the outlined benefits.